Speaker Johnson backs more restrictions on relationships between lawmakers and staff
Johnson endorsed a bipartisan push to expand House ethics rules after more than 1,500 staffers urged stronger protections against misconduct.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson endorsed a bipartisan proposal on Tuesday to ban lawmakers from romantic relationships with any congressional staffer, closing a loophole in existing ethics rules.
- Current House ethics rules only prohibit relationships with direct subordinates; renewed calls for a blanket ban followed misconduct reports involving Senator Ruben Gallego, Eric Swalwell, and Tony Gonzales.
- More than 1,500 congressional staffers are pressing leadership to overhaul misconduct procedures, arguing that current systems lack clear, accessible routes for reporting abuse.
- Democratic Women's Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernandez applauded the position, arguing that "the power dynamic that leads to abuse exists for all staffers, not just those within the members own office."
- GOP Representative Kat Cammack reported the working group is about 70% finished with proposals, though any final restrictions require formal drafting and House Ethics Committee approval.
16 Articles
16 Articles
US House Speaker Backs Sweeping Ban on Lawmakers Sleeping With Congressional Staff
US House Speaker Mike Johnson has backed a sweeping new ban that would prevent members of Congress from having sexual relationships with any congressional staff, extending existing rules that cover only their own employees. His support suggests House leaders are ready to consider tougher workplace conduct standards after a series of misconduct scandals on Capitol Hill. Speaking at a news conference in Washington, Johnson replied 'yeah' when aske…
Johnson Backs Ban On Reps Dating Capitol Hill Staff
Axios reports: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told Axios Tuesday he supports banning members of Congress from having romantic or sexual relationships with Capitol Hill staff, adding momentum to a discussion about tightening House workplace rules. Congress has been rocked this year by a series of sexual misconduct scandals, prompting bipartisan conversations about reforming how the House deals with sexual harassment and misconduct. “I think i…
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